Higher Power PV Modules Drive Up BOS Costs

We4Ce, a Dutch engineering authority in rotor blade technology, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CEWA Plus, a Thai developer and investor in renewable and infrastructure projects, to scale on-site blade root bushing remanufacturing across Asia. Serial orders start in April 2026. The MOU integrates We4Ce’s proprietary “Re-FIT” methodology and Danish partner CNC Onsite’s specialized mobile machining hardware with CEWA Plus’s on-site implementation and quality control measures.

The partnership builds on the 2025 application in Thailand, where CEWA Plus used the technology to restore damaged bushings on 22 blades in-situ at an operational wind park. CEWA Plus is now establishing a regional service hub set to restore thousands of bushings across a multi-gigawatt pipeline. The initiative enables large-scale, sustainable rotor blade maintenance. Following the wind season in April 2026, bushing remanufacturing is scheduled across a 12-country network starting in India, Sri-Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

"This MOU marks a strategic shift in how the industry handles structural maintenance," says Arnold Timmer, Managing Director of We4Ce. "By supplying the technical know-how for our Re-FIT technology and coupling it with CNC Onsite’s mobile precision drilling equipment and CEWA Plus’s on-site setup, we enable regional service providers to resolve maintenance challenges right at the wind farms."

Redefining blade root bushing maintenance

Blade root bushings are critical metal inserts that serve as the primary structural connection between the blade root and the turbine hub. In blades using polyester embedding, excessive shrinkage or uneven distribution can compromise the bushing’s interface layer. This can create microcracks that may expand over time, reducing bonding strength and increasing the risk of the bushing loosening, potentially leading to catastrophic blade failure. The Re-FIT methodology provides the precise removal and re-insertion necessary to ensure a factory-standard mechanical bond.

Previously, addressing loose blade root bushings presented a downtime-ridden, logistical challenge. Operators typically chose between transporting blades to off-site repair facilities or full blade replacement, methods that are not only labor-intensive but also costly.  The Re-FIT solution, assessed by UL (DEWI-OCC) offers a high-precision, on-site alternative: downtower remanufacturing. 

Replacing bushings, and more critically the interface layer of the blade is a complex aftermarket process. The Re-FIT ensures a high-strength mechanical bond and the structural flatness of the blade root. By eliminating blade transport and waste, the process reduces repair costs by up to 60 percent while significantly lowering both CO2 emissions and downtime.

Delivered under a licensing model, this technology transfer enables wind park operators to carry out major blade remanufacturing independently using their own service teams. Optimized for a throughput of several rotor blades per week, the on-site workflow begins by lowering the blades to a controlled work environment for precision-drilling of the damaged interface layer with bushings. Utilizing a patented high-strength replacement and vacuum infusion process, the solution ensures a uniform interface bond that restores full structural strength. This down-tower process is engineered to maintain original surface tolerances and restores the blade root surface flatness, supporting the intended design life. 

New monitoring system: GapMaster Intelligence

The MOU also covers the integration of “GapMaster Intelligence,” a new monitoring system, developed by CEWA Plus. Utilizing high-precision laser scanning technology, the system continually monitors the bond between the bushing and the blade root. If a gap is detected or begins to expand, the system triggers an automated alert via the plant’s central monitoring (SCADA) system, providing operators with real-time data. This allows maintenance teams to transition from reactive repairs to a proactive, condition-based approach designed to maintain a ‘like-new’ standard throughout the blade’s service life. 

"Having successfully validated the Re-FIT methodology during our initial project in Thailand, we recognized that this approach offers a distinct advantage," says Thanongpan Chaipalangrit, Project Manager at CEWA Plus. "By integrating this specialized capability with our monitoring system, we provide wind farm operators a sustainable pathway to extend asset life".

Training in Denmark and the Netherlands

Replicating that success, technical teams from Asia are scheduled for training in Denmark at CNC Onsite and the Netherlands at We4Ce in late spring. The program covers the operation of custom machining hardware to drill out damaged interface with bushings, the application of the patented Re-FIT vacuum infusion process to ensure a high-strength bond and the restoration of structural root flatness. This technology transfer equips independent service providers to apply factory-level precision in a field environment.

"We look forward to welcoming the new continental teams to our European facilities, where we will ensure they are fully trained to apply this level of precision to every blade in the portfolio, " said Søren Kellenberger, CEO at CNC Onsite."

“The precision machine meets exacting, high-tolerance specifications, which provides it with the versatility to perform reliably across diverse international wind park environments. We are now developing plans for further maintenance hubs on different continents," he added.

Since the successful project in Thailand last year, We4Ce and CNC Onsite are now targeting Brazil and the United States, positioning the Re-FIT methodology as a new standard for global blade root maintenance. The two companies will this year start development of offshore windfarm solution setups.

We4Ce | www.we4ce.eu

The Clean Technology Training Trust (CTTT) announced the appointment of Betony Jones to its National Advisory Council, further strengthening the Trust’s cross-sector leadership guiding the development of scalable workforce strategies for emerging industries. 

Jones brings more than two decades of experience at the intersection of labor, workforce development, climate policy, and economic strategy, including national leadership roles shaping workforce policy for the clean energy economy. 

Most recently, Jones served as Director of the Office of Energy Jobs and Senior Advisor for Labor to the U.S. Secretary of Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, where she led national workforce strategy and labor engagement efforts supporting the clean energy transition. 

“Betony’s led the federal government’s work to ensure major energy investments deliver high-quality jobs and economic opportunity. She shaped over $200 Billion investments for clean energy projects, ensuring alignment between industry and worker needs. Her experience connecting federal policy, labor standards, industry growth, and workforce development will be invaluable as the Trust continues building a cross-sector model that prepares the workforce for the industries transforming the global economy.” 

— Dave Reaves, Chairman, Clean Technology Training Trust 

“Collaboration is America’s superpower. It’s how we’ll grow the workforce that’ll build and sustain innovative and efficient clean energy industries. I’m excited to join the Clean Technology Training Trust’s Advisory Council to strengthen that collaboration across labor, industry, education, and public policy to develop the scalable workforce models workers and employers need to compete in the global clean energy economy.” 

— Betony Jones, Independent Advisor, and Former Director of Energy Jobs and Labor Advisor to Secretary of Energy 

Jones currently serves as a Senior Research Advisor for the Green Economy at the UC Berkeley Labor Center, Senior Fellow at the Roosevelt Institute, Strategic Advisor to Heartland Capital Strategies, and previously founded Inclusive Economics, a strategy firm focused on aligning climate policy, labor markets, and economic opportunity. Her appointment reflects the Trust’s commitment to assembling a diverse advisory council representing labor, industry, education, research institutions, and public policy leaders working together to shape workforce solutions for the industries driving the next generation of economic growth. 

The CTTT National Advisory Council provides strategic guidance and recommendations to the Trust’s Board of Trustees as it advances workforce initiatives across sectors including clean transportation, 

advanced manufacturing, battery and energy storage technologies, and emerging technical occupations supporting the clean economy. 

“Building the workforce required for the clean economy demands collaboration across sectors that historically operated independently. Betony’s experience working with labor leaders, federal agencies, research institutions, and industry partners makes her an exceptional addition to this effort.” 

— Dr. Kimberly A. Moore, National Executive Director, Clean Technology Training Trust 

Clean Technology Training Trust | https://cleantechnologytrainingtrust.org/

Premier Truck Rental has been named a National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) Top 100 Fleet award recipient for the fourth consecutive year. This recognition highlights PTR’s continued commitment to running one of the most efficient and well-managed commercial fleets in the country, with the award honoring top-performing commercial fleets across the United States. As a part of the selection process, PTR completed an in-depth application that was reviewed against ten key areas of fleet performance, including accountability, asset management, business management, financial management, use of technology and information, maintenance management, professional development, risk management, fuel management and sustainability.

“We are proud to be recognized by NAFA as a Top 100 Commercial Fleet for the fourth year in a row,” said Jason Gold, Chief Executive Officer of Premier Truck Rental. “This award reflects the commitment of our team through being dedicated to our customers, reimagining daily, leading with integrity, valuing people first and executing with ownership.”

Premier Truck Rental remains committed to delivering high-quality, customized rental solutions to customers nationwide, with this recognition further underscoring that commitment.

Open to both public and private sector fleets across North America, the NAFA Top 100 Fleet Award involves a rigorous and highly competitive selection process. Being named among this group recognizes a fleet as one of the best in the nation and is a meaningful accomplishment.

Premier Truck Rental | https://rentptr.com/

National Association of Fleet Administrators | https://www.nafa.org/

Starting on April 30, 2026, the new Fronius Essential Backup Load Unit, also referred to as Fronius EBLU, will be available in the United States of America. Fronius EBLU is the anticipated microgrid interconnect device companion to the award winning Fronius GEN24 Plus inverter. This microgrid interconnect device is a homeowner’s solution for reliable backup power and optimized battery state of charge to keep essential appliances connected during power outages. The Fronius Essential Backup Load Unit was built in Europe and designed and developed in North America. During a power outage, the Fronius EBLU automatically disconnects the grid connection from the Fronius GEN24 Plus and subpanel to safely power the backup circuits. This allows the energy storage system to provide tailored backup power during critical times. 

“The arrival of the Fronius EBLU marks an innovation for the Fronius USA product portfolio. Grid outages can be unexpected; not only are they inconvenient, but they can also cause financial loss. Solar energy combined with battery storage can provide the catalyst for true energy independence, and the Fronius GEN24 along with the Fronius Essential Backup Load Unit ensures maximum runtime for critical appliances in a compact and cost-effective manner.” said Zach Kirin, Product Manager - Residential Systems at Fronius USA. 

Backup Power Tailored for your Home 

Utilizing the combined power of solar energy and battery storage, the Fronius EBLU maximizes the runtime of the average home’s essential appliances without any intervention by the homeowner. The Fronius Essential Backup Load Unit is designed for 50A of grid passthrough and only needs one Fronius GEN24 Plus hybrid inverter and compatible battery system to power everything that you need. A properly sized high-voltage battery system and sufficient solar array can power essential appliances continuously for multiple days. 

Typically, whole-home backup requires significant planning, often involving extensive soft costs and a slower return on investment. By intentionally isolating the critical circuits - such as refrigeration, lighting, and well pumps – you prevent the need for larger PV arrays and battery capacity. With a 50A continuous output, the Fronius EBLU 

is intentionally optimized to provide a steady, reliable backup power supply rather than short bursts to power everything. 

Photovoltaic systems equipped with a Fronius GEN24 Plus inverter, battery storage, and the Fronius EBLU allow users to track energy consumption, monitor battery status, and proactively prepare for upcoming weather-related events. Through Solar.web, homeowners can pre-charge their battery in advance - putting them in control of their energy resilience. 

Fronius Essential Backup Load Unit Datasheet: 

To view the new product datasheet on the Fronius Essential Backup Load Unit, visit: https://bit.ly/3UTsyN7 

Fronius | https://www.fronius.com/en

Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc. is enabling a major step forward in industrial decarbonization with the deployment of its Titan EL Series hydrogen generator at JTEKT Corporation’s carbon neutral (CN) Plant in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

JTEKT, which historically relied on liquefied natural gas to fuel aluminum melting processes, selected green hydrogen technology to significantly reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. At the core of this transition is Teledyne Energy Systems’ alkaline water electrolysis solution, which produces high purity hydrogen on site to power burner-based aluminum melting and holding furnaces used in die‑casting operations.

“This project demonstrates how on‑site green hydrogen production can be seamlessly integrated into demanding industrial environments,” said Barbara Stachowiak, Vice President and General Manager, Teledyne Energy Systems. “By enabling JTEKT to replace fossil fuels with clean hydrogen generated at the point of use, we are helping manufacturers take practical, scalable steps toward carbon neutral operations.”

The Titan EL Series hydrogen generator delivers approximately 112,000 Nm³ of hydrogen annually, enabling JTEKT to replace fossil fuel‑based combustion with a low‑emission alternative. The system supports a fully integrated hydrogen cycle within the facility—producing, storing, transporting, and utilizing hydrogen entirely on site—enhancing both efficiency and operational control.

The project is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by an estimated 56 metric tons per year through the combined use of renewable grid electricity, on‑site solar power, and efficient hydrogen utilization enabled by Teledyne’s electrolysis technology.

The successful deployment of Teledyne Energy Systems’ hydrogen generation technology at JTEKT’s CN Plant demonstrates the growing role of on‑site green hydrogen production in reducing industrial emissions and advancing carbon neutral manufacturing.

Teledyne Energy Systems i| www.teledynees.com

Mangrove Lithium announced the opening of its first commercial lithium refining facility in Delta, British Columbia – the first of its kind in North America – marking a major milestone in establishing a secure, domestic lithium supply chain for Canada and the North American market. Mangrove marked the milestone with a ribbon cutting at its new headquarters and site of the Single Stack Plant (SSP), in Delta, British Columbia. Speakers included Mangrove Lithium CEO and Founder Dr. Saad Dara, Federal Minister and Member of Parliament for Delta Jill McKnight, InBC Chief Investment Officer Thomas Park, and Delta Mayor George Harvie, with BC Premier David Eby providing a video message recognizing the achievement and the importance of domestic lithium processing in Canada’s energy transition.

A First for North America and a Milestone for Canadian Energy Security

The commissioning of the plant represents a critical step in establishing a Canadian-based, scalable refining pathway that can support the continent’s electrification goals.

Mangrove’s facility uses the company’s proprietary electrochemical technology to convert extracted lithium into battery-grade material more economically, flexibly, and sustainably than incumbent chemical methods. With a 1,000 tonne-per-year (1 ktpa) nameplate capacity, the plant can produce enough battery-grade lithium to support approximately 25,000 electric vehicles per year.

Today, the majority of global lithium refining takes place overseas, creating bottlenecks and adding volatility to supply chains. This reliance poses significant challenges to North American energy security as EV adoption accelerates and jurisdictions race to localize battery and critical mineral supply.

Foundation for Canada’s First Mine-to-Cathode Lithium Supply Chain

The Delta facility's commercial launch is the foundation for a more ambitious step: Mangrove has announced plans for a facility in Eastern Canada that will expand Canada’s lithium supply through a spodumene processing and lithium refining operation. The new facility will be able to supply 500,000 EVs annually. To advance the Eastern Canada facility, engineering and spodumene piloting studies are being supported by a conditionally approved contribution funding of up to $21.88 million CAD from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) through its Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration (“CMRDD”) Program.

As part of this expansion, Mangrove has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Élévra to secure spodumene feedstock from the North American Lithium (NAL) mine in Quebec, creating a clear pathway towards Canada’s first mine-to-cathode lithium supply chain. This integration allows Canada to capture more value from its natural resources, strengthens domestic battery production capabilities, and enhances national energy resilience.

“This is a landmark moment not just for Mangrove, but for Canada,” said Dr. Saad Dara, CEO and Founder of Mangrove Lithium. “By commissioning the first commercial electrochemical lithium refinery in North America, we are proving that lithium can be refined domestically, sustainably, and competitively. This facility is an important step towards a fully Canadian lithium supply chain, one that strengthens our energy security, accelerates the transition to EVs, and positions Canada as a global leader in critical mineral processing.”

“Canada is leveraging our critical mineral resources – including our lithium – to unlock supply chain security, job creation, and clean energy innovation,” said the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “Mangrove Lithium’s new headquarters will house North America’s first commercial electrochemical lithium refining facility – exactly the type of cutting-edge, sovereign Canadian project we need. By supporting projects like these, our new government is advancing Canada’s low-carbon potential, creating new careers, strengthening our security, and creating reliable Canadian jobs in an uncertain time.”

“Across the country, we are seeing the results of Canada’s commitment to building a world‑class critical minerals ecosystem,” said the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. “Mangrove Lithium’s new facility positions Canada as a hub for refining battery‑grade materials right here in Delta, reinforcing our economic security and supporting Canadian innovation. Canada has what the world wants, and we are making strides to use our mineral wealth as a basis to diversify our clean energy opportunities and create stable, long-term careers in British Columbia and beyond.”

“Today’s opening marks a turning point for Canada’s critical minerals value chain,” said the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Delta. “By commissioning North America’s first commercial electrochemical lithium refining facility, Mangrove Lithium is helping Canada move from raw potential to real production—here at home. This project strengthens our energy security, supports good Canadian jobs, and advances a Made-in-Canada battery supply chain that will power the clean economy and deliver lasting benefits for Canadians.”

Mangrove Lithium | www.mangrovelithium.com

Everged, a North American energy technology company, and Georgia Green Energy, a leading electrical contractor and EV infrastructure developer based in Georgia, today announced a strategic partnership to deploy hundreds of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state. As EV adoption continues to rise, the need for reliable and accessible charging infrastructure has never been greater. However, deploying EV charging systems remains a complex process, requiring coordination across stakeholders, technologies, funding structures, and regulatory environments.

This partnership brings together Everged's integrated hardware and software platform with Georgia Green Energy's expertise in site development, deployment, and long-term infrastructure operations to deliver a streamlined, end-to-end solution.

Through this collaboration, Everged and Georgia Green Energy will introduce flexible, scalable business models designed to remove traditional barriers to EV charging adoption and accelerate deployment while ensuring long-term system performance and profitability.

Two Deployment Models Designed for Scale and Flexibility

• CapEx Equipment Financing Model: Georgia Green Energy leases EV charging hardware through Everged, enabling rapid deployment with reduced upfront capital requirements while maintaining ownership and operational control. This model allows Georgia Green Energy to generate recurring revenue through charger utilization and long-term asset management.
   
• Owner-Operator Model: Everged initially owns and operates the chargers, assuming upfront investment and operational responsibility. Once investment costs are recovered, operational responsibilities and increased revenue opportunities transition to Georgia Green Energy.

Both models are designed to eliminate barriers for site hosts—such as retail centers and multi-unit residential properties—by providing EV charging as a high-value amenity with no upfront capital or ongoing operational burden. At the same time, EV drivers benefit from expanded access to high-performance, well-maintained charging stations.

By aligning financial incentives with operational accountability, the partnership addresses a common challenge in the EV charging industry: inconsistent charger performance due to fragmented ownership and maintenance responsibilities. This model ensures that the parties best equipped to maintain and optimize charger performance are directly incentivized to do so.

Initial deployments will focus on high-traffic, publicly accessible locations across Georgia, including mixed-use retail destinations and multi-unit dwellings, with an emphasis on maximizing utilization, accessibility, and long-term site value.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Georgia Green Energy," said Jefferson Smith, chief executive officer of Everged. "Not only are they a world-class contracting firm, but they also share our unrelenting commitment to approaching the industry with a fresh mindset, delivering a fantastic experience for both our site hosts and EV drivers."

"The growth of EV infrastructure is no longer a future trend—it's a present-day necessity," added Gavin Ireland, chief executive officer for Georgia Green Energy. "This partnership allows us to move faster, deploy smarter, and bring innovative charging solutions to property owners across Georgia. We're not just installing chargers—we're building revenue-generating energy assets that create long-term value for site hosts, drivers, and the communities we serve."

Everged | everged.com

Georgia Green Energy | https://gagreenenergysvc.com/